Tyus Battle Returning to Syracuse; Puts NBA Plans on Hold

Great news for fans of Syracuse Basketball: Tyus Battle will be back next season.

Battle had announced his intent to enter the NBA draft and was thought to be gone to the NBA, but he apparently filled out paperwork to withdraw his eligibility before Wednesday's midnight deadline. Also, despite working out with some pro-teams, Battle never signed an agent - if he had, his change of heart wouldn't have been possible.

"I have decided to go back to Syracuse University to complete my junior year," said Battle on Wednesday night. "Although I may have been picked by the NBA team of my dreams, I feel it is in my best interest at this time to focus on improving some fine points in my game while continuing to work toward achieving my degree.

The Edison, NJ native led the Orange in points (19.2 PPG), three-pointers and minutes played (averaging 38 a game) in what was a-less-than-successful regular season for Syracuse. They finished the season 20-13, and 8-10 in the ACC. They were a bubble team who barely made the NCAA Tournament cut, but did win one of the First Four play-in games and made a run to the Sweet 16, ending the year 23-14.